Category Archives: Obituaries

MaraviPost : most recent significant obituaries in Malawi and those affecting the Malawi Diaspora all over the world.

Malawi, Obituaries

NICO Group condoles families of five artists lost in Ntcheu road tragedy

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank and Eris Properties, through its creative sector strategic partner, the Copyright Fund, has joined the nation in mourning five young musicians who died in a tragic road accident at Senzani in Ntcheu District on Friday, 26 December 2025.

The victims, Vincent Mkwinda, Raphael Chitsonga, Elivacy Muyaba, Wilfred Kapengule Jnr, and MacFarlane Banda, were members of Eli Njuchi’s Hive Band and were travelling to Lilongwe ahead of a scheduled performance when the accident occurred along the M1 Road.

In a condolence message issued through the Copyright Fund, the NICO Group said it fondly recalls its recent interaction with the Hive Band during its family day event earlier this year, where the artists performed with distinction and professionalism.

As part of its support, the Group has provided financial assistance of MK1 million to each bereaved family to help with funeral arrangements.

Copyright Fund Administrator Dora Makwinja said the Group deeply shares the grief being experienced across the country following the loss.

“The NICO Group deeply shares the nation’s grief following the tragic and untimely loss of these talented young artists. Through the Copyright Fund, we are offering financial support to assist the families during this difficult time. May the souls of our departed artists rest in peace,” said Makwinja.

Beyond the corporate sector, national leadership has also expressed condolences, with State President Arthur Peter Mutharika and Second Vice President Enock Chihana conveying messages of sympathy to the bereaved families, joining Malawians in mourning the loss of young lives.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Malawi’s music industry, with artists and fans describing the loss as devastating to live music in the country.

The deceased musicians, drummer and sound engineer Raphael Chitsonga, guitarist MacFarlane Banda, road manager Vincent Mkwinda, pianist Wilfred Kapengule Jnr, and vocalist Elivacy Muyaba, were widely regarded as some of the most gifted instrumentalists of their generation.

Award-winning musician Lawi described the incident as a dark day for the industry, while international artist Onesimus said Malawi had lost giants whose contribution to music would be deeply missed.

Following the tragedy, Eli Njuchi cancelled a scheduled performance at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, while other artists, including Lulu, also called off shows as the music fraternity paused to grieve.

Lifestyle, Malawi, Obituaries

Eli Njuchi’s socials go dark in mourning: A heartbreaking tribute to lost loved ones

Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Eli Njuchi has turned his official Facebook and Instagram profiles completely black in a poignant display of mourning, paying tribute to the five members of his Hive Band who tragically lost their lives in a road accident.

The devastating loss has left Eli Njuchi and the music community in shock, with the artist grappling to come to terms with the sudden departure of his band members.

Sometimes, words fall short, and lyrics can’t capture the depth of pain felt in moments like these, leaving only silence and sorrow.

As the owner of the Hive, Eli Njuchi isn’t just losing employees; he’s losing brothers, friends, and a part of his musical family.

The music community and fans are standing in solidarity with Eli Njuchi, offering prayers and condolences to him and the families of the lives lost in this tragedy.

The blackened social media profiles serve as a powerful symbol of mourning, a visual representation of the darkness that has descended upon Eli Njuchi and the Hive Band.

In this moment of grief, the music world unites to support Eli Njuchi, acknowledging the immense loss and pain he must be enduring.

The tribute on social media is a testament to the impact of the Hive Band and the void left by their untimely passing.

As Malawi and Zambia mourn, the hearts of many remain with Eli Njuchi, offering love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

The loss of the Hive Band members is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

In the darkness, there is unity, and the music community stands together, shoulder to shoulder, with Eli Njuchi.

Obituaries

Mutharika mourns five Hive Band’s members

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika and First Lady Gertrude Mutharika have expressed sadness over the loss of five members of Hive Band.

The five died in a terrible road accident on Friday, December 26, 2025.

The first couple condolence message reads, “The First Lady and I are profoundly heartbroken to learn of the horrific road accident that has claimed the lives of five remarkably talented young men—members of the Hive Band who served alongside Afro-dance artist Eli Njuchi.

“We mourn the loss of Elivacy Matamando Muyaba, Wilfred Kupengule Jnr, Vincent Mkwinda, McFarlen Banda, and Raphael Chitsonga”.

Mutharika adds, “These were not just musicians; they were instrumental figures whose passion and artistry helped shape the soul of Malawi’s music industry for years.

“Their passing is a devastating blow, not only to Eli Njuchi and the Musicians Association of Malawi, but to the very heart of our nation”.

The First couple mourns further, “It is a tragedy that leaves a void in our cultural fabric.

“That they were lost while traveling to bring joy to others at an end-of-year concert in Lilongwe only adds to the bitterness of this grief”.

Mutharika assures,”In this hour of darkness, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.

“As a gesture of our shared national mourning, the Government will shoulder all funeral expenses to ensure these sons of Malawi are laid to rest with the dignity they deserve”.

Malawi, Obituaries

Ntcheu fatal crash claims four lives

Burnett Munthali

NTCHEU-(MaraviPost)-A tragic accident has occurred at Senzani in Ntcheu district, claiming the lives of four individuals.

The accident happened when two vehicles collided, according to Jacob Khembo, spokesperson for Ntcheu police.

The four individuals lost their lives as a result of the collision, leaving behind a trail of grief and sorrow.

The number of people injured in the accident is currently unknown, and efforts are underway to determine the extent of the damage.

Further details will be provided as more information becomes available, Times360 Malawi will continue to follow up on the story.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to exercise caution on the roads.

The people of Ntcheu district are shocked by the news of the accident, and condolences are pouring in for the families of the victims.

The police are likely to launch an investigation into the cause of the accident to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The accident is a stark reminder of the dangers of road travel and the importance of prioritizing safety on the roads.

More updates will be provided as the situation unfolds, stay tuned for further developments.

Health, Law and order, Obituaries

Lungu family secures Supreme Court appeal on former Zambia leader burial

Burnett Munthali

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-The long-running dispute over where former president Edgar Lungu should be buried is far from over, after his family secured permission to take the matter to South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal.

South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has granted the Lungu family leave to appeal against the Pretoria High Court ruling that allowed the Zambian Government to repatriate the late former president’s body for a state funeral and burial in Zambia.

The decision was signed by Acting Chief Registrar ZVD Ntaka, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle.

The application for leave to appeal was heard on December 11, 2025, before Justices Makgoka JA and Steyn AJA, who also set aside the High Court’s earlier order on legal costs.

The judges ruled that all legal costs incurred so far will be decided once the final appeal is concluded, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

This development temporarily halts the repatriation of Lungu’s remains, in line with South African law, which requires that nothing proceeds while an appeal is pending.

Lungu died in South Africa on June 5, 2025, and since then, his burial has become the subject of a bitter legal fight between his family and government.

The dispute began after the Pretoria High Court ruled that, as a former head of state, Lungu should be buried in Zambia with full state honours at Embassy Park, the official presidential burial site.

However, the family opposed the decision, insisting that Lungu wanted a private burial and did not want President Hakainde Hichilema involved in his funeral.

The family further argued that the High Court made serious mistakes in its ruling, citing several grounds for appeal.

Obituaries, Opinion, Politics

My Take On It: The Good, the Bad, and the downright Ugly of 2025 Part II

Janet Karim

Anybody here seen my old friend Abraham?
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
He freed lotta people but it seems the good they die young
You know I just looked around and he’s gone

Anybody here seen my old friend John?…..

Anybody here seen my old friend Martin?….

Someday soon, it’s gonna be one day
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
I thought I saw him walkin’ up over the hill

You know I just looked around and he’s gone
With Abraham, Martin, and John. — Richard Louis Holler

Last week this column started the annual roundup of the year’s Good, Bad, and downright Ugly. While on the Good list four items were listed, this week’s Bad list is a painful journey that looks at the people we lost locally and around the world.

A truly ndilira ine misonzi (I, me cry tears) trip, many agree with me it seems similar to our losses in 2020 at the height of COVID-19. From relatives, to world political and religious leaders to movie stars, sports legends and renowned journalists, the trip on this lane is painful to bear.

From the family and closes friends’ lane, we lost Zamatchecha Mbekeani, Chief Chanthunya, Ibrahim Chimwaza, two good friends Alice Konyani Johnson, Lizzie Brown (nee Chipendo), John Mataya, Frank Mlotcha, Gulam Pinto, Malawi football legend Yasin Osman, George Mvula, Roman Catholic University Vice Chancellor Professor Ngei Kanyongolo, Ernest Phiri, Gerald Nyamacherengwa, and Kester Kamphaizi.

Had I known that when Alice came on a surprise visit for my 70th birthday, would be the last time I would see her, maybe I would have spent more time with her, giggling along Virginia and Maryland streets as we exchanged jokes, or shared more prayers. Ndilira ine misonzi.

On the international platform there exists a truckload of the very known personalities who have also graduated to the heavenlies.

The list is not exhaustive but a sample of who is lost to us.

The list includes Pope Francis, Jimmy Swaggart, Malcom Jamal-Warner (Theo Huxtable in The Bill Cosby Show), my best friend’s sister Bonnie Chattey, former US Vice President Dick Cheney, Voice of America Straight Talk broadcaster Shaka Ssali, former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga, late Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, and Joan Kennedy, former wife of late Senator Ted Kennedy.

From the music scene, the world lost a coterie of music giants; among them Dance to the Music man Sly Stone, I can see clearly now Jimmy Cliff, Roberta Flack (First time ever I saw your face), Black Sabbath leader Ozzie Ozborn, R&B star D’Angelo, Ike Turner Jr (son to music legend Tina and Ike Turner), and Connie Francis (first black female musician to hit the charts).

From the silver screen, gone are heartthrob Sundance Kid Robert Redford, Dianne Keating (The God Father, Annie Hall, Father of the Bride), Loni Anderson, Gene Hackman, William Shatner of Star Trek fame, and Polly Holliday.

From the UK, gone too are two splendid comedians Prunella Scales (wife of Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers) and Dame Patricia Routlegde (famous Keeping Up Appearances as Mrs. Bucket – pronounced so as to rhyme with bouquet) and the laughter lingers long after the shows’ final curtains.

In sports, we have lost George Foreman, the boxing legend who fought the king of boxing Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now DRC), Manchester City boxing star Ricky Hatton and boxing entertainer Hulk Hogan.

Olympic gold medalist Laura Dalimeier passed away. Chess Master, Daniel Naroditsky also passed. He was 29 years old. From the moon people, legendary Jim Lovell who was Apollo 13 Commander, passed on; he was 97 years young.

In the research and fashion design sections, gone is Giorgio Armani, the very legendary Italian designer. He was 91.

Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, the 33-year-old Irish and fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her Manhattan-based brand resort wear unexpectedly in August 2025 died while on a boat in Montauk Yacht Club in New York.

Lastly, the world also lost Dame Dr. Valarie Jane Morris Goodall, the ethologist who revolutionized science.

She was the world-renowned English primatologist, conservationist, and humanitarian who revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees and their relationship to humans through her groundbreaking, decades-long study in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park.

One of her research projects revealed that chimps use tools, hunt, and have complex personalities; she later became a tireless advocate for animal rights and environmental protection through the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots program, advocating for hope and individual action to save the planet.

Next week the downright Ugly of 2025 will be paraded.

Merry Christmas: Jesus is the reason for the Season

–

Human Rights, Law and order, Obituaries

“Dr. Bobe murder’ suspects aren’t inmates”-Prison Service

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Prison Service has denied rumors circulating on social media claiming that suspects in the murder of Dr. Victoria Bobe are being held at Chichiri Prison.

Spokesperson Steve Charles Meke described the claims as misleading, stating that all prisons in Malawi have adequate security measures in place.

Meke urged the public to stop spreading unverified information and instead seek clarification from relevant authorities.

It’s believed that supporters of a certain party were attempting to politicize the issue, but Meke advised people to disregard them.

Six suspects were arrested in connection with Dr. Bobe’s death, and on Wednesday, they were taken to the deceased’s home to demonstrate how the crime was allegedly committed.

Dr. Bobe was a lecturer at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES) and worked at Queen’s Elizabeth Central Hospital.

The Malawi Police Service is continuing its investigation, and the public is advised to await official updates.

The Prison Service reassures the public of its professionalism in handling the suspects and maintaining security in the country’s prisons.

Health, Obituaries

Lilongwe Private School student, mother laid to rest as tragic chapter closes

Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A sombre atmosphere enveloped Area 18 Cemetery in Lilongwe on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, as mourners gathered to bid farewell to a young student and her mother following a tragic road accident that shocked many.

Lily Liu, a student at Lilongwe Private School, was laid to rest alongside her mother, bringing tears and deep sorrow to family members, friends, schoolmates, and the wider community.

Lily was travelling with her family in a Nissan X-Trail when the tragic incident occurred, abruptly cutting short a life filled with promise, innocence, and youthful dreams.

The double burial at Area 18 Cemetery marked a painful moment for those who had followed the tragedy closely and had hoped against hope for a different ending.

While Lily and her mother were buried in Malawi, her stepfather and two stepbrothers were taken to Zimbabwe, where they were laid to rest in accordance with family arrangements.

The separation of burial sites across two countries underscored the complexity and emotional weight of the tragedy, reflecting a family torn apart by a single devastating moment.

For many mourners, the funeral symbolised the closing of a heartbreaking chapter that has left lasting scars on all who were touched by the family’s story.

Teachers and fellow pupils from Lilongwe Private School remembered Lily as a bright, gentle, and disciplined student whose absence will be deeply felt in classrooms and corridors alike.

As prayers were offered and final respects paid, silence often replaced words, as grief proved too heavy to be fully expressed.

The tragedy served as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly joy can turn into sorrow.

Indeed, life often reveals itself as a short story—complex, unpredictable, and difficult to fully understand.

As the earth covered the graves and mourners slowly departed, many were left reflecting on the importance of love, family, and compassion in a world where tomorrow is never guaranteed.

May the souls of Lily Liu and her family members rest in eternal peace, and may those left behind find strength and comfort in the midst of profound loss.

Obituaries, Politics, Regional

Zambia mourns broadcasting icon Kenneth Maduma, voice that shaped nation

Maravi Post Author

By Vanessa Chibwe

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Veteran broadcaster and respected media executive Kenneth Maduma has died, marking the end of an era in Zambia’s broadcasting history.

Maduma passed away on 14 December 2025 after a long and distinguished career that spanned several decades in radio, television, and public service.

His death has sent shockwaves across the media fraternity, with journalists, broadcasters, and the general public expressing deep sorrow at the loss of one of Zambia’s most trusted voices.

Kenneth Maduma was born in Durban in 1967, at a time when the broadcasting industry in the region was still developing and radio remained the most influential medium of communication.

Growing up during the formative years of Zambia’s communication sector, he developed a deep interest in broadcasting, inspired by the power of radio to inform, educate, and unite communities.

This early passion laid the foundation for a career that would later help shape modern broadcasting standards in Zambia.

Maduma rose to national prominence through his long and dedicated service at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

He began his career as a broadcaster and news anchor, quickly earning recognition for his calm delivery, clarity, and professionalism.

Over time, his credibility and leadership qualities saw him rise through the ranks to become Director of Programmes at ZNBC.

Popularly known as “Ken Dumz,” Maduma became one of the most recognisable and trusted voices on Zambian radio and television.

His authoritative yet composed presentation style made him a familiar presence during major national events, breaking news, and critical public broadcasts.

For many Zambians, his voice became synonymous with accuracy, balance, and journalistic integrity.

Beyond his work on air, Maduma played a crucial role behind the scenes in shaping newsroom culture and broadcast content.

As Director of Programmes, he was instrumental in setting high editorial standards and strengthening programme quality across the national broadcaster.

He also mentored a generation of young journalists and broadcasters, many of whom later emerged as influential figures within Zambia’s media industry.

Maduma’s service to the nation extended beyond broadcasting, as he also held diplomatic and public service roles.

Through these positions, he continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to national development, public communication, and institutional professionalism.

In his later years, Maduma gradually withdrew from the public spotlight and reduced his appearances.

Despite this, he remained a highly respected elder statesman in the media sector and was often acknowledged as a pioneer who laid the groundwork for contemporary broadcasting in Zambia.

News of his death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, former trainees, media institutions, and ordinary citizens.

Many have described him as a trailblazer whose voice, leadership, and mentorship defined a golden era of Zambian broadcasting.

Kenneth Maduma leaves behind a rich legacy of excellence, public service, and dedication to truth and professionalism.

His contribution to Zambia’s media landscape will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters and journalists.

He will be remembered not only for his voice but also for the standards he set and the lives he shaped throughout his remarkable career.

Obituaries

Female teacher drowns in Mtemankhokwe stream

Shaffie A Mtambo

By Shaffie A Mtambo

MANGOCHI-(MaraviPost)-A 35-year-old secondary school teacher, identified as Alice Williat, who was earlier reported missing, has been found lifeless in Mtemankhokwe stream in Mangochi District.

According to Mangochi Police Spokesperson Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,the incident occurred on December 14, 2025, at Manjawira Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.

audi said police findings, Williat, who until her death was a teacher at Chiona Community Day Secondary School, went missing on December 11, 2025 after leaving her home to plant maize in her garden.

However she never returned home and her mobile phone remained unreachable. It was established that in order to access her maize field, she was required to cross Mtemankhokwe Stream.

Therefore on December 14, 2025, her body was discovered floating in the stream in a semi decomposed state.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on the day she went missing, the area experienced heavy rainfall, which caused the stream to swell, making it dangerous to cross.

A postmortem examination conducted at Mangochi District Hospital established that death was due to suffocation secondary to drowning

Police in Mangochi have since urged the public to exercise extreme caution during this rainy season and avoid crossing, swimming or playing near swollen water bodies to prevent similar incidents.

The deceased hailed from Nkhwara Village, Traditional Authority Chakhadza in Dowa District.